Candy and Beer Pairings That Will Rock Your Party

Two of the greatest guilty pleasures in this world are candy and beer. With the extensive data base of flavors that craft beer has to offer, it’s easy to find the perfect beer to pair with any candy you can manifest. Earlier this year I helped Jelly Belly get the word out about their new Draft Beer Jelly Belly jelly bean, an easy task given that beer and candy make easy playmates.

When it comes to pairing the two, there are just a few small guidelines to keep in mind. Rules don’t exist, if you like it, it’s a good pairing. There are a few things to keep in mind when you decide which beers to drink with each candy.

Consider intensity. IPA’s are a big strong beer with a huge flavor presence, necessitating a candy that can take a punch. Pair an intense beer with an intense candy, it’s a lot of fun to experience two high flavors duke it out.

Consider texture. Smooth, mellow beers, like oatmeal stouts, go well with smooth creamy textures, like milk chocolates. While high carbonation beers can help cut a more sour candy.

Consider flavors. Every beer and every candy has a dominate flavor. Think of the dominate flavor in the beer and the candy, is it lemon? Chocolate? Caramel? Peach? Can you picture those two flavors meshing well?

When pairing beer and candy, pick two options and try them both. Go with your gut. Which one makes you want more? Even if it doesn’t make sense, that’s the one you want to serve.

No matter what you end up with, you’re still drinking beer and eating candy, there are no losers in that game. Have a great time, drink some great beer and don’t forget to share.

I have never thought of pairing beer with something different than fries or chips. But then again, I have never thought of the variety of beers there is. I will try some of these combinations for sure.